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HELP IS ON THE WAY

Exodus 18:13-26

• Thus far in our The God Who Provides series, we have seen God deliver the Israelites from hunger, thirst and a battle, and then they celebrated their victories.
• This is Life Group Connection Weekend, which provides an opportunity for people to take the next step in finding community and encouragement by meeting our Life Group Leaders following the service.
• Life Groups are important for our spiritual development because they help us to: 1) develop godly relationships, 2) learn how to apply the Bible, 3) discover and develop our spiritual gifts, and 4) allow us to bring the Good New of Jesus to the world together.
• Today as we continue our series, we will see Moses receive some help and in turn help others take their next step of following the Lord.
• What areas in your life do you need to receive some help to take the next step in your faith?

We Receive The Help We Need By:
SEEKING GOD’S DIRECTION FOR OUR LIVES

• “When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, ‘What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?’” (Exodus 18:14)
• We often do what we have always done because we don’t know anything else.
• “Moses replied, ‘Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.’” (Exodus 18:15-16)
• There is nothing worse than living life feeling like you are stuck on a “hamster wheel.”
• “Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14 NASB)
• Many people are looking for direction in all the wrong places.
• “‘This is not good!’ Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. ‘You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.’” (Exodus 18:17-18)
• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Jesus says “follow Me” and you will have direction.
• “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’” (Matthew 4:19)
• Where can we receive direction from the Lord?

We Receive Direction From The Lord By:

• LEARNING FROM MATURE CHRISTIANS
  • “Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him.” (Exodus 18:19)
  • We gain so much insight from those who have been there before us.
• STUDYING HIS WORD
  • “Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.” (Exodus 18:20)
  • The most direct revelation for direction has already been given through the written Word of God.
  • “The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.” (Psalm 119:130)
• HEARING HIS VOICE AS WE PRAY
  • “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Phillippians 4:6)
  • After we share our hearts with God, we need to sit and allow Him to share His heart with us.
• GETTING INVOLVED IN SERVICE
  • “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
  • We will never know what you can do until we try something out.
• What are you needing direction in your life about?

We Receive The Help We Need By:
SURROUNDING OURSELVES WITH OTHERS WHO CAN HELP US GROW

• Jethro – “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain…” (Exodus 18:21)
• Growth was never designed to be a one man show.
  • “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.’” (Genesis 2:18)
• Why is it important to surround ourselves with others?

Involving Others In Our Lives Allows Us To:

• RECEIVE DIRECTION FROM ONE ANOTHER
  • Jethro to Moses – “If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” (Exodus 18:23)
  • We can avoid major pitfalls in our lives by listening to wisdom from others’ successes and failures.
  • “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Phillippians 4:9)
  • We cannot stay sharp hanging around wood.
  • “People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17 TEV)
• LIGHTEN OUR BURDENS
  • “Share each other’s troubles and problems.” (Galatians 6:2)
  • “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.” (James 5:16a Msg)
  • “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” – Swedish Proverb
• GAIN ENCOURAGEMENT
  • “A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
  • We can provide ourselves temporary happy moments but encouragement requires others.
  • “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• BE REMINDED WE ARE ONE PART OF A GREATER WHOLE
  • “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)
  • Just as any part of our body cannot operate without leaning on another, so too does our lives require others to truly be functional.
  • What are areas in your life that you need others to help you share the load?

We Receive The Help We Need By:
SURRENDERING OUR WILL TO THE LORD

• “Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.” (Exodus 18:24-26)
• Many in our day struggle with self-promotion
• “…in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud…” (2 Timothy 3:1b-2a)
• To succeed in taking our next step, we must surrender where we currently are.
• “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10)What areas of my life am I currently having trouble surrendering?
• To become all God’s called us to be we must be willing to: 1) Seek direction for our lives, 2) Surround ourselves with others that can help us grow, 3)Surrender our will to the Father.
• Here at Celebration Church, our greatest opportunity to receive help is by joining a Life Group.
• What is God showing me today and how will I respond?